Let’s talk blow jobs. This is the mouth on penis action. If you want to eliminate any possible risk of STDs then use a polyurethane, polyisoprene, or latex condom. Don’t like the taste of condoms? Fear not, there are condoms that come in different flavors!

OK, OK… I can actually hear you sighing from here. I know, using condoms for oral sex isn’t realistic for everyone. The good news is that if barriers aren’t your thing there are still ways to lower your risk.

Here are a couple tricks of the trade:

use the “harmonica method”. By focusing on the shaft of the penis and not the head you’ll avoid any cum or pre-cum.

watch out for deep throating (especially vigorously). It may irritate the lining of your throat making it easier for those pesky STDs to infect you.

if you have the head of the penis in your mouth then try not to take any ejaculate/semen into your mouth.

partner not so great about telling you when they’re going to cum? When you think they’re getting close you can try finishing them off with your hand to avoid the unexpected ejaculation.

got ejaculate in your mouth? spit it out quickly instead of swallowing it and it will help reduce your risk.

The low down on going down:

When you’re performing oral sex on a vagina it’s a similar deal. Using a barrier like a dental dam (thin sheet made out of latex), condom (cutting it down the side), or saran wrap will do the trick. Stay away from microwavable saran wrap because it’s more porous (has bigger holes in it) and HIV may be able to get through the holes. For added pleasure slap some water or silicone based lube on the side of the barrier that will come into contact with the vagina. If you don’t want to use a barrier then try to minimize how much fluid you swallow. You should know: there is an increased risk for getting HIV is she is menstruating (having her period) because blood has more virus in it than vaginal secretions (aka the fluid in the vagina).

The art of rimming:

Ah, yes, the licking of the bum. HIV is not typically transmitted through pooh, BUT there are other things like hepatitis A (there’s a vaccine you can get to prevent this!), parasites, and other STDs that can be. You can use a barrier such as a dental dam (thin sheet made out of latex), condom (cutting it down the side), or saran wrap (preferably non microwavable) to protect yourself. Pleasure tip: put some water or silicone based lube on the side of the barrier that will be facing the butt. One thing to know is that if you’re going to be rimming someone who just received anal sex (bottomed) then there’s the possibility of blood being present that can transmit different viruses, including HIV.

When it’s all said and done:

Get checked out. Most STDs don’t have symptoms so get checked regularly. Have them look in your mouth and swab your throat as well as your goodies. I hear this a lot: “So what if I get a little gonorrhea in the throat? I can clear that up with antibiotics!” Well, yes, you can BUT some STDs aren’t curable (i.e. herpes) and if you have a STD in your mouth then it’s easier to get HIV from performing oral sex.

If you and your partner are monogamous you can both get checked out. You can’t get something from someone who doesn’t have it. And if they do have something that isn’t curable, then you’ll know what you’re looking for!

So there you have it. Oral sex in a nutshell. Have questions? Need more info? Call the Oregon HIV/STD Hotline 800.777.2437, we’re here to help! You can also chat with us online at www.orgeonaidshotline.com